Giving Back

With the WV Trophy Hunters Show in town, Steve and I decided to head down to check out the local vendors, browse through the various outfitters, and catch up with some old friends. It was a good time for sure. Of course, there was plenty to see and do; especially for the boys.

Walking through row after row of outfitters and product distributors, we were pleasantly surprised when we came across an organization that was there for one reason....to give something back.

"Beyond the Backyard" is a non-profit, charitable organization which introduces kids to the outdoors. Bobby Warner, an avid outdoorsman, was inspired by his passion for the outdoors to start West Virginia’s first outdoor youth organization dedicated solely to kids and parents. Totally free, members will receive quarterly newsletters and have access to a web site where they will learn about upcoming events, find out what the Mountain State has to offer youth and submit stories or pictures from their own outdoor adventures. There are also photo and essay contests in which the winners will receive a guided turkey hunt in Ohio and West Virginia.

"Beyond the Backyard is a kids-only organization, aimed specifically at the needs of young people ages 5 to 18," Warner explains. "And it's free. All a kid has to do to join is to visit our Web site, www.beyondthebackyard.org, or call our toll-free telephone number, 1-866-WV-WOODS. We'll send out the membership card."

We immediately signed-up our two young boys. What a wonderful opportunity for today's youngsters. With computers and video games ruling every aspect of their lives, children are becoming more and more "dis-connected" with the outdoors.

Certainly, Bobby Warner is on a mission to change all of that.

If you would like to get your kids involved, don't wait another day! If you know someone else who might benefit from being involved, pass along the information. Now is the time to plant the seed in our children that will bloom into a life-long appreciation and love of the outdoors.

We could definitely use a little more of that.

Until next time!


Jessi >>------->